Yoshikazu Nakamura, Mitsubishi‘s general manager of global electric vehicles, told Automotive News that the final product will be similar to the PX-MiEV concept shown at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show. We’ve no idea just how much of the PX’s styling will carry through to the production vehicle, but it’s a safe bet the powertrain will be roughly the same. The show car was fitted with a small 1.6-liter I-4, but two electric motors — one on the front and rear axle, respectively — provide the majority of propulsion.

In its pure EV mode, Mitsubishi estimated the PX concept could travel roughly 30 miles before calling upon the little four-banger to serve as a generator. Nakamura didn’t provide any range estimate for new production vehicle, but noted the PHEV — which will likely be labeled with Mitsubishi’s MiEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle) moniker — is in its final stages of development.

We’ve long reported that Mitsubishi wants to move towards adopting common vehicle designs to bolster its portfolios around the world, and the production PX/MiEV plug-in may be the company’s first true step towards that direction. Nakamura sees the PHEV as a great option for globalization, noting a PHEV is perfect for introducing electric vehicle technology in markets with limited charging infrastructure.

“This is not only for customers in developed countries like Japan, the United States, and in Europe,” Nakamura told Automotive News. “The next target might be China or other developing countries like Brazil or India.”

Is an Outlander-sized plug-in what Mitsubishi needs here in the U.S? Send your predictions to us through the comments section below.

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